KINS Desk
Srinagar, Oct 18 (KINS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday reiterated his demand for the immediate restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, saying that the delay in empowering the elected government was “unfair to the people” and contrary to the assurances made in Parliament and the Supreme Court.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar on the completion of one year of his government, Omar as per news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) clarified that the interaction was being organized by the National Conference (NC) rather than the Information Department due to the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming Budgam and Nagrota by-elections.
“Traditionally, these interactions serve to present a report card of the government’s work. However, because of the by-polls, we could not hold an official press conference. Still, I did not want the media to feel that we are avoiding engagement,” the Chief Minister said.
On the Budgam by-election, Omar said that the NC was in the final stages of deciding its candidate. “Discussions are ongoing within the party, and in the next 24 to 48 hours, we will announce our candidate who will soon file nomination papers,” he said. He also confirmed that the party had formally approached the Congress regarding the Nagrota seat. “If Congress wishes to contest that seat, we are ready to leave it for them. We have an alliance and want to strengthen our partnership in Jammu. Not only will we step aside, but we will actively work to ensure their victory,” he added.
On the issue of statehood, Omar stressed that it was time for the Union Government to fulfill its commitment. “Statehood was promised as part of a three-step process—delimitation, elections, and restoration. Two steps are complete, and the third must follow. Linking statehood with militancy or law and order is unjust. Those involved in recent incidents weren’t from Jammu and Kashmir, so penalising our people is senseless,” he remarked.
When asked if he would become a legal party to the Supreme Court case on statehood, the Chief Minister said the option was under active consideration. “I’ve discussed it with senior lawyers in J&K and Delhi. Perhaps I am the only person who has served as Chief Minister of both a state and a Union Territory, so I understand the disadvantages. Based on legal advice, I may become a party to the case,” he said.
Responding to criticism over smart meters, Omar explained that they were necessary for his government’s promise of 200 units of free electricity. “There’s a misconception that smart meters increase bills. In fact, in many areas, bills have reduced. Without meters, we cannot measure the 200 units we plan to subsidize. Our goal is to ensure better power supply at a lower cost,” he clarified.
Rejecting claims that Srinagar was being neglected in ministerial representation, Omar said, “The limited cabinet size in a Union Territory restricts representation, but being a minister is not the only way to serve the people. Every minister works for all of Jammu and Kashmir. After the Rajya Sabha elections, we may consider expanding the cabinet.”
He also dismissed opposition allegations of using government resources for political purposes. “Such accusations are baseless. Our very first Assembly resolution sought the restoration of constitutional guarantees for J&K, and the first Cabinet resolution on statehood was personally handed over to the Prime Minister. Those accusing us should recall how they betrayed people’s trust in 2014 by allying with the BJP despite campaigning against them,” Omar stated.
On whether the restoration of statehood was conditional upon the BJP’s return to power in J&K, Omar said, “If that’s the case, they should say it openly. The BJP never claimed statehood depended on them ruling here. As for us, there’s no question of tying up with them again. The PDP-BJP alliance of 2015 devastated this region, and I will not repeat that mistake.”
Discussing tourism, Omar expressed concern over the decline in tourist arrivals following the Pahalgam attack. “We are working to revive tourism by sending delegations abroad — one has already gone to Singapore, and more will visit London and Berlin. Domestically, our ministers are promoting J&K as a safe destination. However, we need the Centre’s help to reopen restricted areas like Doodhpathri, Drang, and parts of Gulmarg. Even during peak militancy, these places were open — it’s time they reopen again,” he urged.
Referring to the NC’s ongoing signature campaign, Omar said, “We are prepared, and if the time comes to act, we will. For now, we are watching the developments closely.”
Concluding the interaction, Omar reaffirmed his government’s long-term commitment to its manifesto. “It’s not a six-month or one-year manifesto. We have begun delivering on several fronts, and our focus remains on fulfilling every promise we made to the people,” he said.(KINS)
